"I'll Do It"

(Eva's Residence – Midnight)

The door slammed behind her, echoing like a final verdict.

Eva stumbled inside, her hand trembling as it slid off the handle. Her legs gave way beneath her, and she collapsed to the floor. Her sobs came in quiet, broken waves as she pressed her forehead against her knees. The silence of the room felt heavier than her grief, wrapping around her like chains.

But then—

"Lady Eva."

She froze.

Her breath caught.

That voice did not belong here.

Slowly, she lifted her head, eyes red with tears, heart already sinking. From the shadows near the window, a figure emerged—tall, composed, and terrifying in the quiet.

Prince Velcon.

"Y-Your Highness…?" she whispered, scrambling to her feet. "What are you doing here?"

Velcon stepped forward, his boots silent against the polished floor.

"I saw your face as you left the palace."

He gave a mock sigh.

"I can tell—you've finally learned the truth."

Eva said nothing. She stood stiffly, trying to breathe.

"It must've hurt so much… didn't it?" Velcon continued softly, watching her like a hawk.

"Tell me—what did you and the Emperor talk about?"

She hesitated.

"I asked him for a divorce."

His expression didn't change.

"And what did he say?"

"He… he said he would grant it."

Her voice was nearly a whisper.

Velcon gave a dry chuckle, eyes narrowing.

"Is that so?"

A long silence stretched between them.

"Your Highness," Eva said quietly, backing a step away, "if you don't mind, please leave. I wish to be alone."

Velcon's smile returned—slow, sharp.

"You wish to be alone?"

His tone turned cold.

"I'm afraid I can't let that happen."

"What do you mean—"

She didn't finish.

A blade flashed.

Before she could take another breath, Velcon's sword was at her throat. Cold steel met soft skin. She froze—her hands trembling in the air between them.

"Y-Your Highness…" her voice cracked. "What is the meaning of this?"

His gaze burned, steady and unblinking.

"I can't believe the Emperor would go this far just to keep his precious little wife safe."

He tilted his head, almost amused.

"Does he truly think I'm such a fool?"

"I don't understand…" she whispered.

Velcon stepped closer. The sword didn't waver.

"Oh, sweet Lady Eva," he murmured. "You truly don't see it, do you?"

"This divorce—this entire scene—is nothing but a shield. He's pushing you away not because he wants to… but because he's trying to protect you."

She blinked, lips trembling.

His voice lowered to a growl as he leaned in.

"But I'm not going to fall for his trap."

"No more games."

The pressure of the blade increased.

"You, Lady Eva Elvaris…"

He smirked coldly.

"…will be the reason for the fall of Eyan Lucien Therald."

A tremor ran through her.

"You're coming with me."

His voice sharpened to steel.

"And if you resist—I'll kill you. Right here. Right now."

Eva stood frozen, terror swallowing every breath. Her back pressed against the wall, her hands trembling at her sides. She wasn't just afraid.

She was trapped.

---

(Royal Palace – Eyan's Office – Midnight)

Eyan hadn't moved. Not since Eva left.

The candlelight flickered low, casting long shadows on the walls. Papers were scattered across the desk, his sword leaned abandoned against the chair. He sat frozen, elbows on the desk, fingers steepled before his lips, eyes vacant.

Outside the heavy doors, Hans's voice broke the silence.

Hans (outside): "Your Majesty… it's midnight already. Please open the door. I know this is not the end—we'll think of another way. I'll go and speak to Her Highness—"

But his words died in his throat as the office doors slowly creaked open.

Eyan stood in the doorway, his gaze empty.

Eyan (quietly, walking past Hans): "This is the end. You don't need to speak to her."

Hans (concerned): "But… Your Majesty—"

A voice rang out behind them, sharp and disrespectful.

???: "Eyan."

Both Eyan and Hans turned.

A tall figure stepped out from the corridor shadows, smirking with mockery dancing in his eyes.

Hans (furious): "Prince Velcon! How dare you speak to His Majesty like that?!"

Eyan (coldly): "It seems the prince has forgotten his place."

From the shadows behind Eyan, three enormous black wolves emerged—Talon, Fen, and Mara. Their eyes glinted like dying stars, and low, thunderous growls rumbled from their throats as they stalked forward, baring teeth at Velcon.

Velcon (smirking): "Eyan… I wouldn't have done that if I were you."

The wolves advanced, snapping closer, their growls deepening.

Velcon took a step forward, unbothered.

Velcon (after a pause, smirking): "Your precious wife… is in my captivity."

The wolves froze.

Silence fell like a guillotine.

Then—

Eyan: "What...?"

With a savage cry, Eyan lunged forward and slammed Velcon against the stone wall, his hand clamped around his throat.

Velcon (choking, but smirking): "You did your best to hide her, Eyan. But you always lose your composure when it comes to her."

Eyan: "What do you want?!"

Velcon (grinning): "The Dragon Marble. I want you to release the Dragon King."

Velcon: "You'll do it… won't you?"

Eyan: "You want the Dragon? Fine. I'll give it to you. But don't you dare touch her."

Velcon (calmly): "I won't touch her. All I want is the Dragon. That's my promise."

Eyan (coldly): "How can I believe a word you say?"

Velcon pulled a shimmering crimson stone from his coat. It pulsed like a living heart.

Velcon: "This is a Magic Stone of Pact Binding. I'll place it into my own heart. If I break my vow and harm her after the Dragon is released… it will pierce my chest. I'll die."

He smirked wider, taunting.

Velcon: "Satisfied, Eyan? You'll do it… right?"

There was silence. Then Eyan let go.

Eyan (low voice): "I'll do it."

Velcon: "Tomorrow then?"

Eyan (barely audible): "Tomorrow."

Velcon turned on his heel and disappeared into the darkness, his footsteps fading down the corridor.

The moment he vanished, Eyan fell to his knees. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his hands clenched.

Hans (softly): "Your Majesty…"

But Eyan didn't respond.

The wolves gathered around him, silent and watchful, as if mourning.

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